Last year I was fortunate to be a part of the SXTX team that worked with Dr. Royal in covering SXSWi. It was an excellent opportunity and an irreplaceable learning experience. I interviewed everyone from the president of NPR, Gary Knell, to the local chapter president of Burning Man – experiences like these helped me to grow as a journalist and taught me to stray from the beaten path if you want a truly engaging story.
I would like the opportunity to take part in this event again because I feel that my previous experience would be helpful in executing this year’s coverage and I personally would enjoy doing it.
I have extremely strong writing skills, interviewing skills, and video editing skills. While the written word is still very influential, I feel that the evolution of interactivity has left people more interested in video and pictures that tell them a story. My work last year is a testament to my ability to deliver on these mediums (see the provided YouTube links).
I have previously interned for KUT, the local NPR affiliate station, in their new media department where I learned sound editing and did slideshow work for their website. For my current day job I am the Social Media Marketing Coordinator for an online company, Romman, Inc., which has honed my skills in the field of social media. I write blogs and utilize Facebook, Twitter, etc., for a living, so I feel extremely confident that my skills would be put to good use on this project.
My plan, if I am accepted this year, is to find the somewhat more obscure panels and speakers to represent – those are often far more interesting and fascinating than the gigantic keynote addresses that fill an auditorium with thousands of people.
My previous experience, skill set, and interest in SXSWi as a whole makes me an excellent candidate for this project.
Multimedia Katie developed during SXSW 2012:
Additional Info:
New Media Concentration: Yes
Been to SXSW Before: Yes, 2012
Been in Program Since: 2011
Relevant TXST Courses: Online Media Design, Advanced Online Media
Other Courses: Music Media and Markets
Website: katiepengra.com
Blog: n/a
Twitter: @kp1371
LinkedIn: n/a
Facebook: www.facebook.com/katiepengra
Other: n/a
Awesome!!
Katie is a talented journalist with a kick-ass sense of humor and an unparalleled work ethic. She excels at trailblazing off the beaten path, so I know she can accomplish her proposed project. Also she conned Marc Maron into an interview with persistance and gumption alone. That’s pretty cool. I think she’d be a great contributor to the 2013 SXTXstate team and I hope I get to work with her again!
I appreciate that you strayed from the beaten path and got interesting feedback from people outside the more exclusive moments.
Katie is a contribution to the field of comedy that is needed. You’d be a moron to not let her take full advantage of this opportunity.
Katie, these stories are great! You are wicked smart and hysterically funny. I hope you get this opportunity!
The first time I saw Katie Pengra perform stand-up comedy, it was a breath of fresh air. She can capture an udience’s attention, intellectuals and goofballs alike. Her unique voice would be a valuable asset to any writing project.
*audience
Katie is super energetic and very enthusiastic! I could not think of a better match for her than this. I would seriously be disappointed if you did not pick her and I’ve been working for sxsw for 5 years. You need her great attitude and abilities!
Collaborating with Katie on several projects I can say with confidence that she is a consummate professional and that you would be remiss to not choose her for this opportunity. Anything she’s involved with is only made better by her presence. Make the easy choice- choose Katie.
Katie has worked for me as a public media journalist contributing to tech and arts coverage. She has also worked for my colleagues covering politics and breaking news. She has a rare gift, as trite as that may sound. She offers that x factor that you can’t quite put your finger on but is a knock out addition to her intelligence and work ethic. Her voice offers a perspective that would be an asset to any coverage, but especially to SXSW coverage. I strongly recommend her. Team Katie!
This lady rules.